Flywheel Powered Toy That Can Operate Both as a Vehicle and as a Top

ABSTRACT

A toy assembly having a body symmetrically balanced around a first axis. The body has wheels upon which the body can roll. A flywheel is disposed within the body that rotates about the first axis in a plane that is perpendicular to said first axis. The flywheel preserves angular momentum. At least one gear is provided within the body that transfers rotational energy between the flywheel and at least one of the wheels. The toy assembly can roll as a vehicle or spin as a top depending on whether it is placed on a flat surface or balanced on a salient point.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to toy vehicles and toy tops. More particularly, the present invention elates to toy vehicles and toy tops that contain flywheels that preserve angular momentum and power the toy into movement.

2. Prior Art Description

There are many toys that contain mechanical assemblies that cause some part of the toy to spin for a prolonged period of time. One such mechanical assembly is a flywheel. A flywheel is a wheel that has a large mass and a large diameter, relative the size and weight of the toy. The flywheel is caused to spin by a user manually manipulating the toy in some manner. Once the toy is released, the flywheel has significant momentum that keeps the flywheel spinning for a prolonged period of time. The flywheel can be connected to a gearbox, for example, wherein the flywheel is used to supply rotational energy to some other aspect of the toy.

One of the most common uses of flywheels in toys, is the use of a flywheel in a toy car to help propel the toy car. In such a toy, the flywheel is used to drive one or more wheels of the vehicle, therein causing the vehicle to roll. In a toy car, the flywheel can be oriented vertically, such as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,216 to Hein and U.S. Pat. No. 4,443,967 to Jones. Alternatively, the flywheel can be oriented horizontally, such as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,579,175 to Angier and U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,041 to Chang.

When a flywheel is used in a toy vehicle, the shape of the toy vehicle dictates the location of the flywheel. Since the toy vehicle rolls in a stable configuration on four wheels, there is little concern for weight distribution or balance in regard to the placement of the flywheel. The flywheel is typically placed in the largest area available within the design. In this manner, the largest flywheel possible can be used, therein providing the most power to the toy vehicle.

In addition to toy vehicles, flywheels have also been used in toy tops where balance is a concern. Traditionally, a toy top has a solid body that spins, wherein the spinning body of the top creates a flywheel. Due to gyroscopic effects, the toy remains spinning upright until it slows enough that gravity overcomes the gyroscopic effect. However, there are many toy top designs that have been created that are not solid. Rather, the toy top has a shell that does not spin. Inside the shell is a flywheel that spins to provide gyroscopic stabilization. Such prior art is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,284 to Christen.

Although flywheels have been used in toy tops and flywheels have been used in toy vehicles, no known design has ever combined features of a toy top into the features of a toy vehicle. By combining the features of a toy vehicle and a toy top, a toy can be created that can both be propelled by the power of a flywheel and spin in place using the gyroscopic effects of the flywheel. Such a toy is presented by the present invention and described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a toy assembly that can perform both as a toy vehicle and as a spinning toy top. The toy assembly has a body that is symmetrically balanced around a first axis. In this manner, the body can spin in a stable manner about the first axis.

The body of the toy assembly has wheels upon which it can roll. A flywheel is disposed within the body. The flywheel has a weighted wheel that rotates about the first axis in a plane that is perpendicular to the imaginary axis. As the flywheel spins, it retains rotational energy and creates gyroscopic effects.

At least one gear is used within the body to transfer rotational energy between the flywheel and at least one of the wheels. In this manner, the wheels can be used to turn the flywheel and the flywheel can be used to turn the wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toy assembly that can perform either as a toy vehicle or as a spinning top;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a plurality of toy assemblies stacked atop one another;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of toy assemblies stacked atop one another; and

FIG. 6 shows a variation of the exemplary embodiment, wherein a rip cord is provided to rotate a flywheel within the toy assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention toy assembly can be configured in many ways, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiment, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered a limitation when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a toy assembly 10 is shown. The toy assembly 10 is both a toy vehicle and a toy top, as will be explained. The toy assembly 10 has a body 11 that is balanced about an imaginary vertical axis 13. In this manner, the body 11 can spin evenly about the imaginary vertical axis 13.

The body 11 of the toy assembly 10 includes a base platform 12. The base platform 12 is symmetrically weighted so as to be balanced about the imaginary vertical axis 13. Accordingly, the base platform 12 has a center of gravity that is aligned with the imaginary vertical axis 13. The base platform 12 has a top surface 14 and an opposite bottom surface 16. There is a relief 18 formed in the bottom surface 16 of the base platform 12. The relief 18 is oriented on the imaginary vertical axis 13. The purpose of the relief 18 is later explained.

The base platform 12 is supported by two axles 20, 22 and two sets of wheels 24, 26. The front set of wheels 26 spin freely on the front axle 22. The rear set of wheels 24 are bound to the rear axle 20 and turn only when the rear axle 20 turns. A bevel gear 28 is coupled to the rear axle 20 for use in turning the rear axle 20.

A support plate 30 is provided that mounts to the top surface 14 of the base platform 12. The front axle 22 and the rear axle 20 are held in place by being interposed between the support plate 30 and the base platform 12. The support plate 30 retains a spur gear 32 that engages the bevel gear 28 on the rear axle 20. As such, when the spur gear 32 turns, the bevel gear 28 and the rear axle 20 turn. The assemblage 34 of the support plate 30 and the spur gear 32 has a center of gravity that also aligns with the imaginary vertical axis 13.

A flywheel 40 is provided. In the shown embodiment, the flywheel 40 has a weighted wheel 42 that exists in a first plane that is perpendicular to the imaginary vertical axis 13. It should be understood that the flywheel 40 can also be oriented vertically, provided the center of gravity for the weighted wheel 42 aligns with the imaginary vertical axis 13.

In the shown embodiment, the weighted wheel 42 is balanced about a central axle 44. The central axle 44 is aligned with the imaginary vertical axis 13. The weighted wheel 42 is affixed to the central axle 44 and rotates with the central axle 44. A pinion gear 46 is also affixed to the center axle 44 under the weighted wheel 42. The pinion gear 46 rotates with the center axle 44 and the flywheel 40. The pinion gear 46 engages the spur gear 32. As such, when the rear wheel set 24 turns, the rear axle 20 turns and the bevel gear 28 turns. The bevel gear 28 engages the spur gear 32 and causes the spur gear 32 to turn. The spur gear 32 engages the pinion gear 46 and causes the pinion gear 46 to turn. The pinion gear 46 turns the central axle 44, which causes the flywheel 40 to turn. The same transfer of rotational energy also works in reverse, wherein the rotation of the flywheel 40 can provide rotational energy to the rear set of wheels 24.

A housing 50 is provided that mounts to the base platform 12 over the flywheel 40. The housing 50 is balanced about the imaginary vertical axis 13. The housing 50 has a wide base 51 that tapers to an apex 52. The housing 50 has an exterior surface 56 upon which various graphics can be printed. A projection 54 is provided on the exterior surface 56 of the housing 50 at the apex 52. The projection 54 extends along the imaginary vertical axis 13. The projection 54 is shaped and sized to engage the relief 18 at the bottom of another toy assembly 10, as is later explained. In the shown embodiment, the housing 50 has a hemispherical shape. Such a shape is exemplary. Other shapes can be used provided that the housing 50 is balanced to spin and has a center of gravity that is positioned along the imaginary vertical axis 13.

The wide base 51 of the housing 50 mounts to the base platform 12, wherein the housing 50 and the base platform 12 define an internal chamber 58. The support plate 30, spur gear 32, and flywheel 40 are all disposed within the interior chamber 58. When fully assembly, the imaginary vertical axis 13 passes through the center of the toy assembly 10 from the projection 54 at the apex 52 through the relief 18 on the base platform 12. The overall toy assembly 10 has a center of gravity that is disposed along that imaginary vertical axis 13. Furthermore, the toy assembly 10 is symmetrically balanced about the imaginary vertical axis 13 so that it can evenly spin.

As has been explained, rotational energy is transferred between the rear set of wheels 24 and the flywheel 40. When the toy assembly 10 is manually pushed along the ground, the rear set of wheels 24 are caused to rotate. The rotation of the rear set of wheels 24 causes the flywheel 40 to spin. Due to the size differentials between the bevel gear 28, the spur gear 32 and the pinion gear 46, the flywheel 40 is caused to spin at a faster rate than the rear set of wheels 24. Once the toy assembly 10 is released, momentum keeps the toy assembly 10 rolling forward for a short distance. However, angular momentum is preserved in the spinning flywheel 40. The flywheel 40 transfers rotational energy back to the rear set of wheels 24. Accordingly, the toy assembly 10 will continue to roll forward until the flywheel 40 stops spinning. Accordingly, the toy assembly 10 can operate in a vehicle mode.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it can be seen that the toy assembly 10 can also operate in spinning top mode. Within the toy assembly 10, the weighted wheel 42 is positioned in a plane that is parallel to the plane defined by the two sets of wheels 24, 26. When the two sets of wheels 24, 26 are placed on a horizontal surface, the two sets of wheels 24, 26 are arranged in a common horizontal plane. As the flywheel 40 spins, the weighted wheel 42 creates gyroscopic effects. The gyroscopic effects bias the rotation into its initial plane of rotation. Accordingly, if the flywheel 40 is providing rotational energy by pushing the toy assembly 10 along a horizontal surface, the gyroscopic effects bias the weighted wheel 42 into a horizontal orientation.

The toy assembly 10 has a center of gravity that is positioned above the bottom relief 18 and below the top projection 54. Furthermore, the weight distribution of the toy assembly 10 is designed to be symmetric about the imaginary axis 13 that passes through the bottom relief 18, the top projection 54, and the center of gravity. In this manner, the toy assembly 10 is able to spin and balance like a top either on the bottom relief 18 or on the top projection 54.

The toy assembly 10 can be pushed along a surface to rotate the rear set of wheels 24 and to provide rotational energy to the internal flywheel 40. Once the flywheel 40 is spinning, the toy assembly 10 can be lifted and placed atop any salient point that fits into the relief 18 on the bottom surface 16 of the base platform 12. The relief 18 is in vertical alignment with the center of gravity. Consequently, the toy assembly 10 will balance upon the salient point. Once on the salient point, balance is maintained by the gyroscopic effects of the spinning flywheel 40. Due to friction between the spinning flywheel 40 and the remaining components, the remaining components, including the housing 50 will also begin to spin.

The projection 54 atop the toy assembly 10 serves as a salient point. Accordingly, two or more identical toy assemblies 10 can be provided. One toy assembly 10 can be balanced atop another toy assembly 10. The construction will remain stable for as long as each of the toy assemblies 10 creates gyroscopic effects large enough to maintain balance.

In the embodiment previously described, the flywheel 40 within each toy assembly 10 is set into rotational movement by pushing the toy assembly 10 along the ground and rotating the various wheels 24, 26. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that a rip cord 60 can be supplied. An opening 62 is provided for the rip cord 60 that enables the rip cord 60 to engage the flywheel within the toy. In this manner, the internal flywheel can be set spinning by inserting and pulling the ripcord 60.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. 

1. A toy assembly symmetrically balanced about a first axis, said assembly comprising: a housing having an exterior surface, said housing having a projection on said exterior surface that is aligned with said first axis, wherein said housing is symmetrically balanced about said first axis; a base platform symmetrically balanced around said first axis, said base platform having a relief formed therein that is aligned with said first axis, wherein said relief is sized to receive said projection therein, wherein said base platform is supported by wheels upon which said body can roll, and wherein said base platform and said housing combine to define an internal chamber; a flywheel disposed within said internal chamber that rotates about said first axis in a plane perpendicular to said first axis; and at least one gear within said internal chamber that transfers rotational energy between said flywheel and at least one of said wheels.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The toy assembly according to claim 1, further including an axle that connects two of said wheels, wherein said at least one gear interconnects with said axle and turns with said axle.
 4. The toy assembly according to claim 1, wherein said base platform has a bottom surface that faces away from said internal chamber, wherein said relief is disposed in said bottom surface.
 5. The toy assembly according to claim 1, wherein said housing tapers from a wide base to an apex, wherein said apex is aligned along said first axis.
 6. The toy assembly according to claim 5, wherein said housing has a semispherical shape.
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. A toy assembly, comprising: a first toy vehicle powered by a first internal flywheel, wherein said first internal flywheel spins about a first axis and said first toy vehicle is balanced about said first axis; a second toy vehicle powered by a second internal flywheel, wherein said second internal flywheel spins about a second axis and said second toy vehicle is balanced about said second axis; wherein said first toy vehicle has a projection extending therefrom that is aligned with said first axis, and said second toy vehicle has a relief formed therein that is aligned with said second axis, wherein said second toy vehicle can balance atop said first toy vehicle when said relief of said second toy vehicle is placed atop said projection of said first toy vehicle.
 14. The toy assembly according to claim 13, wherein said first internal flywheel has a first weighted wheel that spins about said first axis perpendicular to said first axis.
 15. The toy assembly according to claim 14, wherein said second internal flywheel has a second weighted wheel that spins about said second axis perpendicular to said second axis.
 16. The toy assembly according to claim 13, wherein said first toy vehicle rolls upon at least one wheel that is coupled to said first internal flywheel so as to rotate with said first internal flywheel.
 17. The toy assembly according to claim 13, wherein both said first toy vehicle and said second toy vehicle have hemispherical shapes.
 18. The toy assembly according to claim 13, wherein said first toy vehicle and said second toy vehicle are identical in shape and size. 